Early team news: Barnes hint, £20m man to return, 7 out and 1 doubt vs Nottingham Forest

Ahead of tonight’s 5.30pm kick-off at the City Ground, it’s time to run through the latest team news from Eddie Howe and Forest boss Nuno Esparito Santo.

Anthony Gordon (ankle) and Alexander Isak (groin) have both been ruled out after failing to train all week. Joe Willock and Elliot Anderson are edging closer but still aren’t ready, while Joelinton, Nick Pope and Matt Targett remain sidelined. It’s unclear if Jamaal Lascelles has recovered from a calf issue.

Callum Wilson is expected to return to the starting line up, however, with Howe revealing that he’s looked sharp in training all week after his 45-minute cameo against Luton last weekend.

It’s tough to say who will start between Dan Burn and Tino Livramento, as Howe praised both and gave little away, but these comments on Harvey Barnes seemed quite telling when asked if he was in a position to start:

“I would probably say, ideally, if we had a fully-fit squad – no (he wouldn’t start). He wouldn’t be in contention to start, we would be very much easing him back in that would be my preference.”

For the hosts, top scorer Chris Wood (hamstring) and Gonzalo Montiel (hamstring) will be missing along with AFCON finalists Ibrahim Sangare, Ola Aina and Willy Boly.

Former Mag Matz Sels is expected to start in goal following his deadline day move from France and Morgan Gibbs-White is expected to play despite picking up a knock in Wednesday’s FA Cup win over Bristol City.

Predicted XI – Dubravka – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Livramento – Longstaff, Bruno, Miley – Murphy, Wilson, Almiron.

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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